Celebrating the holidays in the city requires creativity. My first Christmas in the city I used colored lights to create a cookie-cutter tree outline on a wall. Although I’m still proud of my first meager tree, my space has grown since then, allowing (slightly) more room for festive décor. David Stark’s holiday collection currently available at West Elm is the perfect answer for urban dwellers seeking seasonal spruce for their pads. Many pieces in the collection are made from natural and recycled materials such as newsprint. All have a signature feel, allowing mixing and matching among the collection.  The twig topiary is a beautifully stark tree which features text from a vintage garden book printed on recycled paper, a perfect addition for any literature-loving home. While it could easily be displayed year round, the addition of a single strand of white lights coupled with silver and gold ornaments would create the perfect apartment Christmas tree. I also really enjoy the holiday flowers. Also incorporating recycled newsprint, the flowers are available in silver and wood tones.  On their site, West Elm suggests using them as a garnish on a gift. I agree these would add a special touch to any wrapped package, but I chose to arrange a few in an old bottle of Riesling that I had held onto. Other items include mirrored mosaic spheres, canapé plates, and several ornaments and garland.  All pieces are priced below $100.

David Stark is a celebrated party planner who orchestrates glamorous galas for high wattage celebrities, corporations and not-for-profit charities. The David Stark 2010 Holiday Collection is currently available at West Elm stores and at www.westelm.com.